Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Serum - Quantitative

Proteins are complex molecules that are essential to all cells and tissues in the body. They are responsible for structural support, helping regulate vital functions like cell repair, enzyme activity, nutrient transport, and immune defense. There are two main types of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin is the most abundant, while the globulins make up the rest. The Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE) are part of globulins, which are proteins (antibodies) produced by the immune system to help fight infections and other foreign substances in the body.

The Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Serum - Quantitative test is a laboratory test that measures the levels of specific proteins in the blood. It is typically used to diagnose and monitor certain diseases, such as multiple myeloma and other disorders involving abnormal protein production.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis specifically separates serum proteins to identify patterns suggestive of monoclonal gammopathies, inflammation, or protein disorders. Immunofixation Qualitative Serum confirms and characterizes specific monoclonal proteins (M-protein) identified on electrophoresis for plasma cell disorders. Immunoglobulin Profile (IgG, IgM, IgA) is used to measure the amount of major immunoglobulins to assess immune status and detect hypo- or hyper-gammaglobulinemia and monoclonal gammopathies.

Kappa and Lambda – Free light chains test quantifies free light chains in serum to detect monoclonal light-chain production and monitor plasma cell dyscrasias, especially multiple myeloma. Beta-2-Microglobulin serves as a marker of tumor burden and prognosis in multiple myeloma and other lymphoproliferative disorders.

The Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Serum - Quantitative test may be advised when there are symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections, weakness, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, anemia, indicative of health conditions that can affect the amount of protein in the body, such as in multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, malnutrition, or malabsorption. Also, the doctor may suggest this test if other blood tests show high calcium levels or urine tests indicate protein in the urine.

No special preparation is required for the Immunofixation Electrophoresis, Serum - Quantitative test. Inform a doctor about all the medications (e.g., immunosuppressants, etc.) and supplements currently taken, as some of them may affect the test results, potentially requiring dosage adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test. Also, inform a doctor if pregnant, as protein levels may fluctuate during pregnancy. All these factors could affect test result interpretation.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Do not self-medicate; always consult a doctor to understand the test results correctly.

Please note: This is an outsourced test. The sample for this test is collected by TATA 1MG and processed at a NABL accredited partnered lab.